SIGN News
Grafityp workshop demonstrates what can be achieved using textile materials
Martin Hinchliffe went along to a Textile Materials Workshop run by Grafityp UK in conjunction with Siser Italy, and reports back for Sign Update. Workshops are free of charge to attend and take place several times a year at Grafityp UK’s premises in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
The day started with Marci De Rossi, an experienced Siser representative, explaining the characteristics of different materials and demonstrating various techniques for applying Siser materials to fabric. Demonstrations included heat pressing using assorted materials, timings required, hot and cold peeling, and how layering materials can produce exciting results. We were given sample packs containing a variety of pre-cut
textile vinyl and had plenty of opportunity to get hands on and play around with the different materials. I soon experienced for myself just how quick and easy it is to layer these materials and create special effects, even though I have no little experience of this. Marco also gave useful and practical advice on how to make
the most of the business opportunities that special effect vinyls and layering provide. The resulting premium products can be sold for more than simpler goods and give the trade a chance to boost profits, with only minimal extra work. For example, one business that signmakers and graphic professionals may not have thought of but could sell into, is wetsuits for divers. Generally divers want to be seen, especially on night dives, so they need extra reflective material on their neoprene wetsuits, which Siser supplies.
3D XPD is a CAD cut material that has a 3D texture when heated and can be used to create a wide range of surface effects.
The company uses its expertise
gained over many years of R&D to produce unique materials and innovative solutions. Siser initially developed a high gloss black vinyl initially exclusively for Versace, but that’s now been made available to any customer, and it’s one of the best black glossy vinyl of its type on the market, says Siser. A really useful solution Siser has
come up with to meet the challenge of applying vinyl or other materials onto nylon and similar water-resistant type fabrics that don’t allow glue to go through, is Extra Textile Vinyl. This can be used on its own or as a base for addition of further layers of vinyl. We also learnt how Siser’s glitter
products vary from the majority of the competition, with the glitter being part of the vinyl and not just on the surface. This means that while it may look slightly less glittery than some vinyls initially, the glitter does not get washed or worn off. Siser introduced us to its new
Plenty of opportunity for networking at the Grafityp workshop. 42 Sign Update ISSUE 134 FEB/MARCH 2012
special print and cut vinyl called ColourPrint PU. Significantly, this can be printed and then cut and applied immediately, rather than having to allow 12 hours or whatever for the ink to dry before cutting and application, which is usually the case. I was particularly impressed by how ColourPrint PU can
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